Frank Lampard became Everton’s leading candidate after a board meeting and interviews on Friday night to decide Rafael Benitez’s successor; former Chelsea boss was formally offered the job on Saturday; Duncan Ferguson and Vitor Pereira were also interviewed during the final round of talks

Frank Lampard is back in the Premier League with Everton

Everton have appointed Frank Lampard as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace the sacked Rafael Benitez.

Lampard became the leading candidate on Friday after Everton held a final round of talks with their candidates, and was formally offered the job on Saturday.

Former Swansea and Derby County manager Paul Clement will be Lampard’s assistant manager.

As well as the former Chelsea and Derby boss, The Toffees spoke to Vitor Pereira – who exclusively told Sky Sports News on Wednesday that he wanted the job – plus Duncan Ferguson, who was placed in caretaker charge after Benitez’s departure.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri flew into London to hold talks with all three candidates

Lampard had been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in January 2021 with the club ninth in the Premier League.

Prior to his 18-month spell at Chelsea – who he led to an FA Cup final and a top-four finish – Lampard spent a season at Derby, which ended in defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off final.

Everton had been searching for a successor to Benitez after he was sacked earlier this month in the wake of their 2-1 defeat at Norwich.

The former Liverpool manager had been in charge at Goodison Park for less than seven months.

Everton sit 16th in the Premier League and are just four points above the relegation zone having won one and drawn three of their last 14 matches. Read more